Delmas passes physical test for Lions

ALLEN PARK — Louis Delmas, like all of the Detroit Lions, passed his physical and conditioning test allowing him to participate in training camp.

On Friday, he strolled onto the field with his helmet — a sure sign he would participate.

And he did, but only in the individual drills. And shortly after he had what appeared to be an ice pack taped around his left knee.

Coach Jim Schwartz said it was all part of the plan for Delmas who played just eight games last season because of this wonky knee.

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Schwartz said Delmas will likely sit out Saturday’s practice completely, and then try to do a little more than he did today on Sunday.

With Delmas watching from the sidelines, Don Carey and Glover Quin lined up with the starters on defense.

Delmas, who signed a two-year extension in the offseason, was unable to participate in OTAs or June’s minicamp.

“I think mental attitude is important through all that stuff. It’s a grind when you go through camp and when you’re trying to sort of get your way through. He went out and did some individual stuff, and had a brace on his knee, he was working through that,’’ Schwartz said. “... Like I said the other day, we’re going to have to be very proactive in the way we handle him and it’s going to take a lot of discipline on our part and on his part. There are going to be some days where he’s feeling fine, but we have to have the discipline to stay with the schedule and I think he’s on board with all that.”

Delmas was upbeat when he spoke briefly with reporters.

Ziggy’s first day

First-round pick Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah went down during team drills after his left foot/ankle got stepped on. A trainer worked on him, then Ansah seemed able to walk it off.

“It’s just sort of normal first day stuff. He doesn’t have anything significant,’’ Schwartz said.

In the seven-on-seven drill early in practice, Willie Young lined up with the starters at right defensive end. During team drills later, it was Ansah who was in with the starters.

“Just like a rookie there’s a lot of things that he’s working on. He’s very skilled, he’s very talented, but I think that a lot of times those guys through OTAs and mini-camp, you know feel like, “OK I got this,” and then first day of training camp comes and it’s like, “wow, that’s a big adjustment,’’ Schwartz said.

Changed offensive line

Riley Reiff started at left tackle which was the plan all along.

Dylan Gandy lined up with the starters at right guard, while Corey Hilliard was at right tackle.

“Riley is a starter, that’s the way I look him,’’ center Dominic Raiola said. “He started against Houston and did a good job last year. I think his role last year got him to where he is right now. I look over at him he’s got a USA Today and a dip in his mouth, I thought it was Jeff (Backus) over there. He’s going to fill that role fine.’’

Stafford said it was different not having Backus at left tackle.

“I’m excited for Riley, I’m excited for all the guys up front and their opportunities to step in and play,’’ Stafford said. “Obviously I have a ton of respect for Jeff and what he did for me and this organization. ... I’m excited for Riley and his opportunity.’’

Leroy Harris and Devin Thomas were placed on PUP (physically unable to perform) list. While Ronnell Lewis was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list.

Each of them can start camp at any time. Schwartz said while Lewis and Thomas both passed Thursday’s conditioning test they didn’t respond well afterward.

“We just wanted to give them a couple extra days to round themselves into shape,’’ Schwartz said. They both passed their test, but just as far as recovery afterwards, Ronnell has always been one of those guys that needs a lot of IVs and you take the approach of just rather than putting them right out here and possibly pulling a hamstring or something like that, give them a day and let’s monitor them and see what else.’’

It’s different for Harris who is coming off an ACL last year.

“What we wanted to do was make sure, he’s doing really well, but we wanted to make sure that after doing conditioning, that the test stuff, that he didn’t have any kind of swelling or anything else,’’ Schwartz said. “And if we can be sure that you know it’s not going to be sore the next day. We can get past that then we get him on the practice field.”

Quote of the day

Reggie Bush on Calvin Johnson: “I didn’t understand what a freak of nature he is until I got here and saw some of stuff he does.’’

Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter for live updates throughout training camp. Read her Lions Lowdown blog at oplions.blogspot.com.